The Interplay of Helicopter Parenting, Self-Concept, and Rule-Breaking Behavior in Adolescent Males

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships among helicopter parenting, self-concept, and rule-breaking behavior in 300 adolescent boys (aged 16-18) from private and government colleges in Toba Tek Singh and Lahore, selected via multistage sampling. Data were collected using the Perceived Helicopter Parenting Scale (PHP), Self-Concept Scale (SCS), and Rule-Breaking Behavior Scale (RBBS), with 150 students from each institution type. Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between positive self-concept (PSC) and rule-breaking behavior, but a negative relationship with negative self-concept (NSC) and helicopter parenting by fathers. No significant link was found between helicopter parenting and rule-breaking behavior, reflecting Pakistan’s collectivistic culture where familial oversight mitigates deviance. Multiple Hierarchical Linear Regression identified PSC as a significant predictor of rule-breaking behavior. Adolescents in private colleges exhibited higher PSC and more rule-breaking than those in government colleges, while large family sizes correlated with increased NSC. Second-year students showed higher NSC and slightly more rule-breaking than first-year students. These findings highlight the influence of parenting and self-concept on adolescent behavior, suggesting the need for culturally tailored intervention programs and workshops to raise parental awareness. Future research should include both genders to explore these dynamics further.